It's generally not recommended to bleach your entire hair twice, especially not in quick succession, due to the risk of significant damage.
Why You Shouldn't Bleach Already Bleached Hair
Bleaching is a harsh chemical process that weakens the hair shaft. Re-bleaching previously treated hair can lead to:
- Breakage: The hair becomes brittle and prone to snapping.
- Damage: The cuticle, the protective outer layer of the hair, gets severely damaged.
- Dryness: Bleached hair tends to lose moisture, becoming dry and straw-like.
- Hair Loss: In extreme cases, severe damage can result in hair loss.
When is it Ok to Bleach Twice?
According to the provided reference, you should avoid bleaching over already bleached hair unless in a multiple-processing situation that's handled by a professional. Here's when it's generally considered safer to bleach:
- New Growth (Roots): Focus bleach application on the new, unbleached growth at the roots. Clark states, "If you bleach your hair roots to ends every time, you risk it breaking and becoming damaged."
- Professional Processing: In professional salon settings, multiple bleaching sessions may be carried out with careful consideration of hair health and using appropriate products and techniques. This is not recommended for at-home processes.
Safe Bleaching Practices
To minimize the risk of damage when bleaching:
- Wait: Allow your hair adequate time to recover between bleaching sessions. This could be weeks or even months depending on your hair's condition.
- Moisturize: Use moisturizing products such as deep conditioners and hair oils regularly to combat dryness caused by bleaching.
- Professional Help: If you need extensive lightening, consider seeking a professional colorist who has experience with multiple processes and who can assess your hair's health.
- Hair Analysis: Before bleaching, it's always a good idea to get a professional hair analysis to determine if bleaching is safe for your current hair state.
- Strand Test: If you're bleaching at home, perform a strand test to assess the results of the bleach on a small section before applying it to your entire hair.
| Action | Risk | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Bleaching already bleached hair | High risk of breakage, dryness, and damage. | Avoid unless under professional guidance. |
| Bleaching new growth | Lower risk when done correctly. | Focus bleach on new growth; avoid overlaps. |
| Multiple bleaching sessions | High risk of severe damage with DIY process. | Consult a professional colorist. |
